Lateral Moves: 3L Big Law Associate Applications

Applying for a position as a 3L Big Law lateral associate can be a challenging process, as the traditional pipeline for Big Law recruitment is often through the summer associate programme. However, there are still ways to pursue a 3L Big Law position. One option is to clerk and then move into Big Law, or to gain experience in mid-law or government in certain niche fields and then lateral. Networking is crucial, as is a well-crafted resume that showcases your unique skills and experiences. Cold emailing firms and reaching out to your professors for opportunities can also be effective strategies. Additionally, consider less competitive markets outside of NYC, LA, and DC, and be prepared to interview and sell yourself as a strong fit for the firm.

Network with alumni, peers, and professionals

Networking is an essential part of the legal profession and is key to landing a job as a 3L big law lateral associate. Here are some tips to help you network with alumni, peers, and professionals:

Alumni

Alumni from your educational institution can be valuable resources for career development. They understand the type of education and training you have received and can help connect you to potential job opportunities or advise you on the steps needed to pursue a particular profession. Here are some ways to network with alumni:

• Join alumni associations and groups on professional networking websites or social media platforms.
• Attend alumni events and prepare an elevator pitch to introduce yourself and your professional interests and goals.
• Develop a list of questions to ask alumni about their career paths and experiences.
• Reach out directly to alumni, especially those in your desired industry or company, via email or social media.
• Set up informational interviews with alumni to learn more about their careers and gain industry insights.
• Stay in touch with your alumni connections by maintaining regular communication and showing an interest in their professional and personal lives.

Peers

Networking with your peers is just as important as networking with mentors or more influential individuals. Connecting with people at similar career stages can provide access to information and help hone each other's skills. Here are some tips for networking with peers:

• Create a community network of peers by reaching out and staying in communication through emails, phone calls, lunches, or coffee meetings.
• Organize social events or activities such as dinner parties, group fitness classes, or art exhibits to build trust and have fun while networking.
• Tap into the diverse perspectives and experiences of your peers to gain new ideas and think outside the box.
• Leverage your peer networks to gather insights about specific organizations or industries, including upcoming opportunities and office environments.

Professionals

Networking with professionals in the legal field can help you learn about job openings, expand your job search prospects, and gain industry knowledge. Here are some tips for networking with professionals:

• Attend campus events, external events advertised by your school or student groups, and participate in online discussions on LinkedIn.
• Follow local legal groups and firms on LinkedIn and actively engage by commenting on posts and connecting with alumni and industry professionals.
• Utilize LinkedIn's InMail feature to reach out to individuals with common interests or ask questions.
• Join student organizations, your local bar association, and seek out volunteer opportunities in the legal field to meet professionals.
• Attend presentations, conferences, and symposia to expand your network and increase your chances of hearing about job opportunities.

Reinvent yourself and showcase your skills

Reinventing yourself as a 3L Big Law lateral associate requires a combination of strategic actions and a mindset shift. Here are some key steps to help you achieve this:

Understand Your Current Position

Before reinventing yourself, it's crucial to assess your current situation. Identify the reasons why you're seeking a lateral move and what improvements you want to make. Were your grades lower than expected? Did you not perform well during interviews? Understanding your starting point will help you set clear goals and determine the changes you need to make.

Develop New Skills

Big Law firms value well-rounded, adaptive associates with a diverse skill set. Invest time in gaining relevant work experience, whether through internships, externships, clinical work, or research assistant positions. Highlight any legal skills you've acquired and showcase your ability to apply them in a professional context. If you have a 2L summer job or other job experience during the school year, emphasise what you learned and how you grew professionally.

Showcase Your Expertise

Consider writing and publishing blogs or articles on platforms like LinkedIn. Choose a law-related topic that interests you, conduct thorough research, and discuss solutions to issues or share your opinions. This helps build your reputation, showcases your expertise, and adds value to your resume. It also demonstrates your motivation, proactivity, and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Enhance Your Resume

A well-crafted resume is crucial for standing out as a lateral associate candidate. Emphasise your transferable skills, legal competencies, and any unique experiences that set you apart from other candidates. If you've held leadership positions in student organisations, ensure you highlight your achievements and the impact you had on the organisation. Also, consider seeking assistance from a professional resume writer or coach to refine and tailor your resume for Big Law firms specifically.

Build a Strong Network

Networking is essential for learning about job opportunities and expanding your prospects. Utilise platforms like LinkedIn to connect with law professionals, follow legal groups and firms, and engage with alumni from your target firms. Contribute to discussion threads and don't be afraid to reach out to individuals who share common interests or can provide valuable insights. Attend campus events, especially those with alumni, and participate in external events advertised by your school or student groups.

Master Lateral Thinking

Lateral thinking is a valuable skill that involves approaching problems creatively. It's about thinking "outside the box" to find solutions that aren't immediately obvious. As a law student, you can improve your lateral thinking by practising mind mapping, utilising your senses, and trying reverse thinking. These techniques will help you develop innovative solutions and showcase your ability to think creatively, a trait highly valued in the legal profession.

Be Persistent

Finding a job as a 3L can be challenging, and you may encounter setbacks and rejections. Stay resilient and don't give up. Consistently follow up on your applications and reach out to potential leads. Demonstrate your persistence and continued interest, as this can set you apart from other candidates.

Remember, reinventing yourself takes time and consistent effort. By following these steps and adapting your mindset, you can successfully showcase your skills and increase your chances of securing a lateral associate position at a Big Law firm.

Boost your resume with work experience and leadership positions

When applying for a 3L Big Law lateral associate position, boosting your resume with work experience and leadership positions can set you apart from other candidates. Here are some strategies to enhance your resume and improve your chances of securing the job:

Work Experience:

• Complete an internship or externship: If you haven't already, consider taking on an internship or externship during the school year or summer break. This will provide you with valuable legal work experience and allow you to develop relevant skills. Look for opportunities at clinics, smaller law firms, or in-house counsel positions.
• Highlight legal skills: When describing your work experience, ensure you emphasize the legal skills you have acquired. Examples include research, drafting legal documents, client interaction, negotiation, and litigation support.
• Quantify your achievements: Instead of merely listing your job duties, provide specific examples and metrics that demonstrate the impact of your work. For instance, mention that you "increased sales by 30% in three months" or "successfully prepared and presented a legal argument in court."
• Include recent experience: Focus on your most recent positions and roles from the last 10 years. This ensures that hiring managers know your skills and abilities are current and relevant to the role.

Leadership Positions:

• Provide specific examples: Instead of simply stating that you have leadership skills, give concrete examples of leadership-related accomplishments. For instance, mention a time when you successfully organized a team-building activity or adapted to unforeseen circumstances.
• Quantify measurable results: Avoid vague descriptions and, instead, provide statistics and hard numbers to showcase your leadership impact. For example, "Led a team of five members to complete a project two weeks ahead of schedule, resulting in a 20% increase in overall team productivity."
• Use leadership-related vocabulary: Enhance your resume by incorporating leadership-associated words and action verbs. Examples include "campaign," "advocate," "mentor," "empower," "delegate," "commitment," and "guide."
• Highlight communication skills: Effective communication is essential for leaders. Demonstrate your ability to communicate with both superiors and subordinates. Include examples of presentations given, performance reviews conducted, or complex issues explained to stakeholders.
• Emphasize trustworthiness: Trust is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Showcase your ability to build trust with your team and create an atmosphere of mutual respect. Provide examples of how you have fostered open communication and encouraged the sharing of ideas and concerns.
• Delegate effectively: Effective delegation involves more than just giving orders. Highlight your ability to set reasonable deadlines, provide necessary resources, and empower your team to succeed.

Remember, when applying for a 3L Big Law lateral associate position, a well-crafted resume that showcases your work experience and leadership skills can significantly enhance your application.

Contact a legal recruiter

Lateral recruiting is an entirely different process from entry-level recruiting. A recruiter will help you pinpoint your goals, prepare for your search, and narrow your options. They will act as a gatekeeper, coach, and therapist, ensuring your interviews are a good fit, adding value and expertise to your application, and helping you make the right choice based on your interests and goals.

How to Choose a Legal Recruiter

• Check references and testimonials: Pick a recruiter with a proven track record of success in placing candidates at firms and in practice areas that interest you.
• Stick with one recruiter: This ensures your mutual interests are aligned, and they are motivated to help you find the best fit.
• Pick someone you connect with: Choose a recruiter who you believe has your best interests at heart and who you feel comfortable with.

How to Find a Legal Recruiter

• Ask your professors: Professors often have connections to recruiters and can recommend or introduce you to one.
• Reach out to alumni: Alumni from your school who are at big firms may be able to recommend a recruiter or help you get in touch with one.
• Contact a legal recruiting firm: Firms such as Whistler Partners can help place you at a suitable firm.

How to Prepare for Working with a Legal Recruiter

• Have a clear goal in mind: For example, are you making a move to increase your chances of making a partner? Do you want to better position yourself to go in-house? Knowing what you want will help your recruiter find the right opportunities for you.
• Know what you bring to the table: What makes you stand out? Do you have language skills or a relevant degree? Have you worked with clients that could result in business for the firm?
• Be open to stepping back a class year: This can take the pressure off as the new attorney in the group, and it may increase your chances of being hired.

Additional Tips

• Be persistent: Don't be afraid to cold email recruiters and follow up with them.
• Network: Attend networking events, especially in niche areas you're interested in, and meet people who can help you in your search.
• Get close with your professors: They may be former big law attorneys or have valuable connections.
• Reach out to less common firm offices: Consider reaching out to offices outside of major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC.

Send cold emails and follow up

Step 1: Prepare a List of Contacts

Before you start sending cold emails, you should prepare a list of contacts to reach out to. This list may include lawyers you have worked with previously, interviewers, recruiters, alumni, personal connections, and other connections made at law school events. Organize your contacts in an Excel file, including information such as their professional work, personal connection to you, where you met them, and a follow-up date.

Step 2: Craft a Compelling Email

When sending cold emails, it's important to grab the recipient's attention and make a good first impression. Here are some key elements to include in your email:

• Personalized greeting: Address the recipient by name and mention how you know them or where you met them.
• Purpose: Clearly state why you are reaching out and what you hope to achieve. For example, you can mention that you are interested in learning more about opportunities at their firm or seeking advice about breaking into the industry.
• Value proposition: Explain how your skills and experiences can benefit their firm or how you can contribute to their team. Highlight any relevant work experience, legal skills, and competencies you have developed.
• Call-to-action: Include a clear call-to-action, such as scheduling a call or asking for a response to a specific question. This helps to move the conversation forward and increases the likelihood of a response.
• Polite tone: Thank the recipient for their time and let them know that you are available to answer any questions.

Step 3: Optimize Your Subject Line

The subject line of your email is crucial, as it will determine whether the recipient opens your message or not. Here are some tips to optimize your subject line:

• Personalization: Include the recipient's name and company name in the subject line to add a personal touch.
• Length: Aim for a subject line between 36-50 characters, as this has been shown to achieve a higher response rate than shorter or longer options.
• Relevance: Ensure that your subject line communicates why the recipient should open your email. For example, you can mention a mutual connection or a specific topic you want to discuss.

Step 4: Follow Up Persistently

Following up is a crucial part of the process. Many people may not read your email at first glance, but they are more likely to respond to a follow-up message. Here are some tips for effective follow-up:

• Timing: Wait at least two days after your initial email to send your first follow-up. For subsequent follow-ups, you can increase the interval to a few days to a week, depending on the situation.
• Persistence: Don't be afraid to send multiple follow-up emails. Studies show that 80% of sales require at least five follow-ups. However, be mindful of the fine line between persistence and annoyance.
• Adjust your message: If you don't receive a response to your initial follow-up, try providing additional value or addressing a different pain point in your next email.

Step 5: Utilize Email Tools

Consider using email tools to streamline your outreach process and increase your efficiency. For example, GMass is a popular email outreach and marketing tool that allows you to automate follow-up emails, personalize your messages, and schedule emails to be sent at optimal times.

Sample Email Template

[Recipient's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am [your name], a third-year law student at [your law school]. I am writing to you because [explain your connection or how you got their contact information].

I am interested in learning more about [specific practice area or group within the firm] and believe that my skills and experiences would align well with the work done at your firm. During my time in law school, I have developed strong legal research and writing skills, and I have completed internships at [name of firms or legal organizations], where I gained hands-on experience in [specific legal tasks or projects].

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my interest and qualifications further. Would you be available for a brief call or meeting in the coming weeks?

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Best regards,

[Your name]

[Your contact information]

Frequently asked questions